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In thinking about your post, I looked up my 2015 and noticed a detail I have missed the past three years. With a 3.5GTDI and a 3.55, max tow can bumps your GCWR, but without bumping your max trailer weight.
I suppose this makes sense. Max tow is a durability package, and although it does not bump your tow rating, it does permit more of the weigh to be in the trailer Vs the truck, which places more stress on the hitch.
Per previous posts I've made, the chain bracket appears to be the only difference between the two hitches. It's got a thicker bracket that is welded in a manner that more solidly attaches the receiver tube to the cross bar that runs to the frame brackets. The receiver tube attachment to the cross tube appears to be the weakest link in the hitches.
Two ways:
Look at the sticker on the bottom of the hitch. If it is 12,000 or greater, it’s a Max Tow. Amount is year dependent. In 2019 heavy duty tow was 11,600, Max Tow was 13,200. Remember, this is the hitch rating, NOT your vehicle tow rating. And while using a Weight Distributing Hitch.
Second way is to look at the receiver hole reinforcing plate with the safety chain holes. HD Tow plate is flat and does not go under to surround the tube, Max Tow plate bends back at a significant angle and does completely surround the tube. Top of second pic has the thread title I borrowed these from. The plate is thicker,bent, and welded on the bottom. Easy to see the surrounding support.
